Minerva Building construction to begin next year (UK)

Minerva is about to begin the tender process for the contract to build its iconic tower in the City of London, with construction expected to begin in spring 2005.

John Laing, Skanska, Bovis, Bouygues and Sir Robert McAlpine are all expected to bid for the contract.

Designed by Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners, the £1bn Minerva Building will be located on the site of St Botolph’s House, which is to be demolished in November.

The tower will stand at 712 ft and provide 1m sq ft of space, mostly offices but including 22,000 sq ft of retail and a 19,000 sq ft rooftop restaurant. When completed it will be the Square Mile’s tallest, largest building.